Comparing the secondary stability of dental implants: immediate gradual loading versus early loading protocol in the posterior maxilla

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Loading of dental implants has been performed in different protocols to achieve a high success rate and to decrease oral handicap timing. Many factors can contribute to the proper selection of loading protocol. Objectives This study evaluated the effect of early and immediate gradual loading protocols on the secondary stability of dental implants, which was measured by resonance frequency analysis. Material and Methods Ten patients each received two implants in the posterior maxillary region. At one side implants were loaded by progressive gradual loading using healing caps while the other side implants were loaded by early loading protocol. The secondary stability of dental implants measured using resonance frequency analysis afters 6 weeks from implantation day. Results There was no statistically significant difference between (Progressive loading protocol) and (early loading protocol) groups where (p=0.863). The highest mean value was found in (Progressive loading protocol) (77.86 ± 15.74), while the lowest mean value was found in (early loading protocol) (76.29 ± 17.63). Conclusion Trans mucosal healing is possible in the posterior maxilla with a very high success rate, especially if the implant was inserted with high primary stability. However, strict oral hygiene measure is mandatory to avoid plaque accumulation which may lead to mucositis. Progressive loading with a healing cap is not of a great benefit to the patients in terms of bone training, and it might cause pain while replacing healing caps.